People are more self-dependent than ever. Want to fix up your car? You can learn how to do that by watching a YouTube video. Is your sink clogged? Again with the YouTube. Attempting to learn cursive writing? Yup…you guessed it…..YouTube.
You can discover any information you may want to learn and self-learning has never been more available. So the real question is, are we done needing experts?
Well, not necessarily. Take, for instance, your hearing aids. Let’s imagine that you develop a need for these beneficial little devices. Should you race out to Walmart and pick up a pair of over-the-counter hearing aids? Although this might make you feel like you’re being self-sufficient and sound like the easy option, there are a few real downsides. As a matter of fact, visiting a hearing specialist for hearing aids can help make your hearing aids more effective and more comfortable.
What are the symptoms of hearing loss?
You may think that hearing loss symptoms are pretty self-evident. You can’t hear as well, right? Well, yes, but the symptoms of hearing loss can be much more variable, and far less obvious. In many situations, we are unaware of what to watch out for and we miss the signs of hearing loss.
Here are a few of the most common hearing loss symptoms:
- Headaches and tiredness: Often, when you have hearing loss, your brain fights to keep up. It’s like you’re continuously squinting with your ears as your brain works overtime attempting to process sound. Fatigue and chronic headaches can be the result.
- The constant need to turn the volume up: Is your television volume constantly going up? Well, that’s a sign of hearing loss. This is one of the more obvious ones, but it tends to develop so slowly that it’s often missed.
- Having a tough time hearing when it’s noisy: Do you have a hard time following discussions when you go out to dinner with friends or family? This is typically a fairly reliable indication that some degree of hearing loss may be occurring.
- Requesting that people repeat themselves: You might frequently ask people to repeat themselves. Even if you feel as if people are speaking quietly, it’s actually hearing loss that’s the issue. If you start to experience a great number of individuals who “mumble,” it may be your ears that are the issue.
Naturally, these symptoms aren’t necessarily the only signs of hearing loss. Everyone’s experience will be slightly different. But you should absolutely come see us for a consultation if you are detecting any of these symptoms.
Why is a diagnosis helpful?
So, you have the symptoms of hearing loss. Maybe you should go out to your local box-store and buy an over-the-counter hearing aid. Well, would you go out and buy prescription glasses without having an eye exam? It might work sometimes. But knowing more about your condition is definitely essential.
Everybody’s experience of hearing loss is unique and complex. It’s not like someone simply turns the volume knob in your ear. Actually, individuals tend to lose their hearing in specific frequency ranges as the stereocilia in the ear get damaged.
And most individuals don’t even notice it. The brain is very good at compensating for these things. That’s why a hearing exam is typically essential. You might not even recognize you have hearing loss but a hearing assessment can expose any you may have. This will also help you know which frequencies you’re beginning to lose (and because of this, you will be in a better position to manage symptoms.)
Visiting a hearing specialist has its advantages
Matching your hearing requirements to the available selection on the shelf will be something you’ll need to do by yourself if you go with over-the-counter hearing aids.
But when you visit a hearing specialist, your hearing aids can be tailored to your needs. Your hearing specialist can help you pick the best device for your symptoms and then customize that device specifically for the frequency you need assistance with.
Here are some other benefits to seeing a hearing specialist:
- Your hearing specialist will help you understand how to get the most out of your hearing aids if you’re having trouble understanding how to best utilize them.
- Your hearing specialist can make sure that your hearing aids last as long as possible by helping you comprehend and plan correct upkeep and maintenance.
- The ability to help you customize the overall fit of your hearing aid, ensuring your devices are comfortable and work properly.
- Your hearing specialist can also help you understand how to adjust your hearing aid successfully. In order to get the best experience from your hearing aid, this is crucial.
Without the advantage of a hearing specialist, your hearing aid experience will likely be less optimal, even if you do happen to select the best possible over-the-counter hearing aid for your symptoms.
You will also be better able to manage your hearing loss symptoms with the help of a hearing specialist. With the correct strategy, you’ll be a lot less likely to lose friends or become isolated from your family because of your hearing loss symptoms. Those connections will be preserved. And for the majority of people, that’s one of the most significant parts of life.
Not everything has to be DIY
It doesn’t mean you’re less self-sufficient simply because you require some assistance with hearing aids. As a matter of fact, it’s just the opposite. The correct hearing aid can increase your independence and self-sufficiency.
Diagnosing your hearing loss, controlling your symptoms, and choosing the correct hearing aids are all things that your hearing specialist will help you do.
In other words, if you suspect you have hearing loss, it’s time to give us a call!